Dear October,

I’m so happy you are here! The air begins to feel crisp and the evening so pleasant. But before I feel the stress of approaching holidays, let us enjoy your bounty of colors, vegetables, and little goblins.

You will appreciate this easy seasonal recipe.

Simply Pumpkin Muffins:

• 1 box spice cake mix
• 1 can 100% pumpkin (NOT pumpkin pie filling)
• 1 snack size cinnamon apple sauce (optional)

Mix everything together and put the batter into muffin tins. The mixture will be thick. Bake according to the directions on the box. You can also sprinkle brown sugar or cinnamon sugar on top if you’re feeling crazy.

Next, as I absorb your beautiful weather, let me remind you to mark your calendars for our Annual Open House Street Event on November 4, 2021, from 4pm–7pm. We will be offering a scrumptious sampling. Hope you will join us.

(That’s seven-year-old Alix in costume as The Cat Lady.)

Cooking in August… literally!

Just like that, it’s August… and we begin to feel our lazy days of summer are flying by, regardless of how hard we try to slow it down. Last-minute evening walks on the beach as the sun starts to set earlier every day to hikes in our beautiful parks on Sundays help us feel like we are at least enjoying those last moments of the golden sun.

August’s “dog day” rep is well-earned, given it tends to be the hottest month of the year. (True statement if you have been in the shop or kitchen area this month!) So limiting time in the kitchen while waiting for the heat to break is key. Our weekly freshly prepared meals are ideal. These simple dinners require only 30 minutes in your preheated oven and make good use of all the colorful produce that’s readily available.

And on a quick hot note, we want to shout out to our girls… Happy 24!